There’s a persistent myth that it might be safer to forgo wearing a seatbelt in certain car crash scenarios. Some people believe that, in a wreck, a seatbelt could trap them inside a vehicle if it catches fire or goes into the water.
This myth has existed for years, but the reality is far different. Seatbelts are one of the most important safety features in vehicles, and the data consistently shows that wearing them reduces the risk of severe injury or death in car crashes.
Get the truth about seatbelt safety and how it can protect you in a car accident in Louisiana.
The Facts About Seatbelts and Safety
Simply put, wearing a seatbelt is much safer than not wearing one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50% for front-seat passengers involved in crashes.
This statistic alone highlights the effectiveness of seatbelts in preventing fatal injuries. But backing it up is the fact that in 2022, 50% of those killed in vehicle accidents were not buckled up.
You’re more likely to be ejected through the windshield if you’re in a car crash while not wearing a seatbelt. Ejection is one of the most dangerous outcomes in a collision, with 75% of people who are ejected from a vehicle during a crash dying as a result.
These numbers clearly show that seatbelts are critical to staying safe in a crash, especially in serious high-speed collisions with a high risk of ejection.
Addressing the Myth: Trapped in a Car Fire or Water
One main argument against wearing seatbelts is the fear of being trapped inside a burning car or a vehicle that has gone into water. While these situations can be terrifying, they are also rare. According to the NHTSA, less than 1% of crashes involve fire or submersion in water.
Even in those rare scenarios, wearing a seatbelt is still safer. Seatbelts keep you in a stable position during a crash, which can help prevent you from becoming unconscious due to the high g-forces or seriously injured by striking your head against the interior of the vehicle.
If you’re knocked unconscious, your ability to escape a dangerous situation, like a fire or submersion, is significantly reduced. By keeping you alert and secure, seatbelts give you a better chance of getting out of the car.
Why People Still Don’t Buckle Up
Despite all the evidence supporting seatbelts, some people still choose not to wear them. This decision is often rooted in outdated misconceptions or a sense of invincibility, especially on shorter trips or at lower speeds.
However, the statistics are clear: most car crashes occur within 25 miles of home, and even at speeds as low as 40 mph, the force of a crash can cause devastating injuries to anyone without a seatbelt.
Like many other states, Louisiana requires seatbelt use. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reported that 85.6% of drivers and passengers in the state were using seatbelts in 2023.
While this is a high compliance rate, it still means that nearly 15% of people on Louisiana’s roads are not buckling up, putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
What Happens if You’re Injured in a Crash While Not Wearing a Seatbelt?
Wearing your seatbelt not only protects your life but it also helps protect your legal rights if you’re injured in a crash. In Louisiana, if you’re not wearing a seatbelt during an accident, it may affect how fault is assigned.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning your damages could be lowered if it’s found that not wearing a seatbelt worsened your injuries. To fully understand your rights and potential compensation, it’s important to consult an experienced Louisiana car crash lawyer after the accident.
Call Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers if You’ve Been Injured
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt, seek legal advice.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, our qualified team can help you manage the legal process, fight for the compensation you deserve, and protect your rights. Contact our law firm for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.
